Here’s a selection of prominent Swiss businesswomen who stand out for their leadership in major corporations, entrepreneurship, finance, and innovation.
This list draws from CEOs of large Swiss firms, influential entrepreneurs, and leaders in key sectors like watches, chemicals, insurance, and tech/startups (as of recent data around 2024-2026). Switzerland has seen progress in female leadership, with around 12 female CEOs in the top 100 companies.
Nayla Hayek — Chairwoman of The Swatch Group (one of the world’s largest watchmakers) and CEO of Harry Winston. Daughter of founder Nicolas Hayek, she is a powerhouse in the luxury watch and jewelry industry.
- Magdalena Martullo-Blocher — CEO and Vice-Chairwoman of EMS-Chemie Holding AG, a major specialty chemicals and polymers company. She is also a billionaire majority shareholder and has served in the Swiss Parliament.
- Philomena Colatrella — CEO of CSS Versicherung (a leading Swiss health insurer). A lawyer by background, she rose through the ranks and has held key roles in industry associations.
- Michèle Rodoni — CEO of Die Mobiliar, one of Switzerland’s largest insurance groups. She exemplifies strong leadership in the financial services sector.
- Ricarda Demarmels — CEO of Emmi, a major Swiss dairy and food processing company with a global presence.
- Nora Teuwsen — Leads ABB Switzerland (part of the global electrification and automation giant).
- Susanne Wille — Director General of SRG SSR (Swiss public broadcasting corporation). She brings media and management expertise to one of Switzerland’s key public institutions.
- Evelyne Pflugi — Co-founder and CEO of The Singularity Group, a Zurich-based investment advisory firm. She has extensive experience in asset management.
- Gina Domanig — Managing Partner and CEO of Emerald, a cleantech VC firm focused on climate and sustainability investments.
- Nathalie Chemtob — Founding Partner at Alpana Ventures, a VC firm specializing in digital transformation. She previously founded an asset management company.
Other Notable Mentions
- Anik Thaler (Founder/CEO, Fabas Foods – sustainable food tech)
- Christin Ter Braak Forstinger (Co-founder/CEO, Chi Impact Capital – impact investing)
- Jacqueline Ruedin Rüsch (Privilege Ventures – VC and startup ecosystem)
Leaders in pharma/food giants like Nestlé or Roche often hold senior roles, though top executive spots have historically been male dominated.
Swiss businesswomen are particularly active in startups, VC, sustainability, and family-led industrial firms. For the latest rankings, check sources like the Schilling Report, Top 100 Women in Business, or Vestbee. Many more rising founders exist in tech, fintech, and biotech.
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